Upper Limb

Front: Humerus
Back:
Definition: The only bone of the upper arm; long bone between shoulder and elbow.
Function: Connects scapula to radius/ulna and supports arm movement.
💡 Think: Huge = Humerus — it's the big arm bone.

Front: Head of humerus
Back:
Definition: Rounded top part of the humerus.
Function: Fits into the glenoid cavity to form the shoulder (ball-and-socket) joint.
💡 Like a ball that fits in the shoulder socket.

Front: Greater tubercle
Back:
Definition: Large bump on the side (lateral) of humerus near the head.
Function: Muscle attachment site for arm movement.
💡 Greater = bigger bump on the outside.

Front: Lesser tubercle
Back:
Definition: Smaller bump on the front (anterior) of the humerus.
Function: Attachment site for rotator cuff muscles.
💡 Lesser = smaller, and it's on the front.

Front: Intertubercular groove
Back:
Definition: Groove between greater and lesser tubercles.
Function: Holds the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle.
💡 “Inter” = in between the two bumps.

Front: Capitulum
Back:
Definition: Round knob on the lateral distal humerus.
Function: Articulates with the head of the radius for forearm rotation.
💡 Capitulum = “cap” → fits the radius like a cap.

Front: Trochlea
Back:
Definition: Spool-shaped part on the medial distal humerus.
Function: Connects with the ulna’s trochlear notch for elbow movement.
💡 Trochlea = “track” — lets the elbow bend and straighten.

Front: Epicondyles (medial and lateral)
Back:
Definition: Bumps on both sides just above the capitulum and trochlea.
Function: Muscle attachment sites for hand and finger movement.
💡 Epi = above; condyle = bump. They’re above the main joint knobs.

Front: Radius
Back:
Definition: Lateral (thumb side) bone of the forearm.
Function: Allows the forearm to rotate (pronate/supinate).
💡 Radius = rotate. Think of turning a doorknob with your thumb up.

Front: Head of radius
Back:
Definition: Rounded top end of the radius.
Function: Articulates with the capitulum to allow forearm rotation.
💡 Head spins = rotation at the elbow.

Front: Ulna
Back:
Definition: Medial (pinky side) bone of the forearm.
Function: Forms hinge joint at elbow with humerus; allows flexion/extension.
💡 Ulna = U-shaped notch (trochlear notch).

Front: Olecranon (process)
Back:
Definition: Big bump on the back of the ulna (elbow tip).
Function: Attachment for arm muscles; makes the point of the elbow.
💡 Ouch! You hit your olecranon when you bang your elbow.

Front: Trochlear notch
Back:
Definition: C-shaped notch on the ulna.
Function: Articulates with the trochlea of the humerus for elbow movement.
💡 Trochlear notch = hugs the trochlea like a wrench.

Front: Head of ulna
Back:
Definition: Rounded end at the bottom of the ulna near the wrist.
Function: Articulates with wrist bones (carpals).
💡 Head = end that connects to the hand.